Amytis Cup

Amytis Cup

Amytis Cup is an award-winning handmade porcelain drinkware design that draws its conceptual foundation from the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, specifically referencing the historical narrative surrounding Queen Amytis and the botanical paradise constructed for her by King Nebuchadnezzar II. Designed by Zeynep Zumre and Mesut Zumre, this distinctive vessel represents a sophisticated fusion of historical storytelling, ergonomic functionality, and contemporary ceramic artistry within the domain of tableware design. The design's primary aesthetic characteristic manifests through its sculptural interpretation of grape clusters, translating the organic, cascading form of vine-grown fruit into a tactile ceramic experience that fundamentally reimagines the conventional relationship between user and drinking vessel. The morphological structure of Amytis Cup deliberately evokes the sensory experience of holding a bunch of grapes, creating a haptic dialogue between object and user that extends beyond mere utilitarian function into the realm of experiential design. Fabricated from fine Limoges porcelain, the production methodology involves a meticulous process beginning with three-dimensional digital modeling, followed by plaster mold creation, slip casting with porcelain clay, and a dual-firing sequence comprising an initial biscuit firing at 1050 degrees Celsius and a subsequent glaze firing at 1230 degrees Celsius, which imparts the characteristic translucency and durability associated with high-quality porcelain. The technical specifications include a 200-milliliter capacity cup measuring 80 millimeters in diameter and 55 millimeters in height, accompanied by a complementary serving plate with dimensions of 145 by 130 millimeters and a height of 5 millimeters, both finished with a glossy surface treatment that enhances both visual appeal and ease of maintenance. The design development process, spanning from 2017 to 2019, involved extensive research and development to overcome significant technical challenges inherent in translating the complex organic geometry into ceramic form without compromising structural integrity or aesthetic fidelity, ultimately resulting in an innovative molding methodology that preserves the design's distinctive character while ensuring production feasibility. The conceptual narrative embedded within Amytis Cup reflects a broader design philosophy that prioritizes emotional resonance and cultural storytelling, connecting contemporary users with ancient Mesopotamian history through the medium of everyday objects, while simultaneously addressing practical considerations such as ergonomic comfort, thermal properties suitable for both hot and cold beverages, and compatibility with modern dishwashing equipment. The design's versatility extends its application beyond conventional coffee service to encompass wine presentation and small food service, demonstrating adaptability within diverse usage contexts while maintaining its core identity as a narrative-driven design object. Amytis Cup received recognition through the Iron A' Design Award in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design category in 2025, one of the world's most prestigious design competitions, which acknowledged the work's successful integration of professional design standards, creative innovation, and practical functionality that contributes meaningfully to quality of life improvements through thoughtful material culture. The design holds registered intellectual property protection under Turkish patent application number 2021/003894, registration number 2021 003894, affirming its originality within the competitive landscape of contemporary tableware design. As a product of the Mocco brand, established in Antalya, Turkey, in 2017, Amytis Cup exemplifies the organization's commitment to handmade design porcelain tableware that enriches living spaces through distinctive, emotionally resonant objects that transcend purely functional considerations. The design's contribution to the field of tableware extends beyond its immediate utility, offering a case study in how historical narratives can inform contemporary design practice, how complex organic forms can be successfully translated into ceramic production, and how everyday objects can serve as vehicles for cultural storytelling and sensory engagement, thereby elevating the mundane act of drinking into an experience that connects users with broader historical, aesthetic, and tactile dimensions of human material culture.

Handmade porcelain cup, Limoges porcelain tableware, grape cluster design, Hanging Gardens of Babylon inspired drinkware, ergonomic ceramic vessel, award-winning kitchenware design

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Amytis Cup.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=483578 (Accessed on May 18, 2026)"